Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the renowned Russian baritone, delivers a captivating performance in this album, released on November 13, 2015, under the Ondine label. The album is a compelling blend of two distinct works: Shostakovich's "Suite on Poems by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Op. 145" and Liszt's "3 Sonetti di Petrarca, S. 270a".
The first part of the album features Shostakovich's suite, a profound exploration of Michelangelo's poetry set to music. The suite is divided into eleven movements, each titled after the central theme of the corresponding poem: "Truth", "Morning", "Love", "Separation", "Wrath", "Dante", "To the Exiled", "Artistry", "Night", "Death", and "Eternity". Hvorostovsky's powerful and nuanced vocals bring these themes to life, offering a deep and moving interpretation of Shostakovich's complex score.
The second part of the album showcases Liszt's settings of three sonnets by Petrarch. These pieces, known for their lyrical beauty and technical demands, are performed with Hvorostovsky's signature artistry and precision. The sonnets are "Pace non trovo", "Benedetto sia il giorno", and "I' vidi in terra angelici costumi".
With a total duration of 58 minutes, this album is a testament to Hvorostovsky's exceptional vocal abilities and his deep understanding of these classical works. It's a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience.
